Kasab trial to get over within a week

The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack trial is expected to be wrapped up within a week, with only 35 formal witnesses remained to be examined in the case in which Pakistani gunman Ajmal Kasab and two others are charged with killing 166 people.

"Of the total 331 formal witnesses, whose affidavits were submitted to the court recently, the evidence of 296 persons was led this week," Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam told PTI.

"Only 35 formal witnesses remain to be examined either personally or through their affidavits. The affidavits of some of them would be considered by the defence team tomorrow while the rest would be cross-examined," Nikam said.

After the exit of defence lawyer Abbas Kazmi from the trial, his junior K P Pawar has taken over charge as the main lawyer to defend Kasab.

The trial is expected to end within a week, Nikam said, adding that the court would hear arguments thereafter and record statements of accused, before giving its verdict.